The Scientific Method& Communications and Issues created by science.

The Scientific Method& Communications and Issues created by science.

1. Scientists come up with a hypothesis. They then test this to see if it was correct or needs changed.

   • 1 - Scientists try to explain things.
     • Starting by observing something they don't understand.
   • 2 - They then come up with a hypothesis
     • A hypothesis is a possible explanation for what they've observed.
   • 3 - The next step is to test whether the hypothesis is right or not.
     • This involves making a prediction based on the hypothesis and testing it by gathering evidence from investigations.
     • If evidence from experiments backs up a prediction, you're a step closer to figuring out if the hypothesis is true.

2. Several scientists will test a hypothesis.

   • Normally, scientists share their findings in peer - reviewed journals, or at conferences.
   • Peer - review is where other scientists check results and scientific explanations to make sure they're 'scientific' way before they are published.
     • It helps to detect false claims, but it doesn't mean that findings are correct - just that they're not wrong in any obvious way.
   • Once other scientists have found out about a hypothesis, they'll start basing their own predictions on it and carry out their own experiments.
     • They'll also try to reproduce the original experiments to check their results - and if all the experiments in the world back up the hypothesis, then scientists start to think the hypothesis is true.
   • However, if the scientist does an experiment that doesn't fit the hypothesis then the hypothesis may need to be modified or scrapped altogether.

3. If all the evidence supports a hypothesis, it's accepted.

   • Accepted hypotheses are often referred to as theories.
     • Our currently accepted theories are the ones that have survived this 'trial by evidence' - they've been tested many times over the years and survived.
   • However, theories never become totally indisputable fact.
     • If new evidence comes along that can't be explained using the existing theory, then the hypothesising and testing is likely to start all over again.

4. Theories can involve different types of models.

   • A representational model is a simplified description or picture of what's going on in real life.
     • Like all models, it can be used to explain observations and make predictions.
   • Computational models use computers to make simulations of complex real - life processes, such as climate change.
     • They're used when there are a lot of different variables to consider, and because you can easily change their design to take into account new data.
   • All models have limitations on what they can explain or predict.

5. It is important to communicate scientific discoveries to the general public.

   • one scientific discoveries show that people should change their habits, or they might provide ideas that could be developed into new technology.

6. Scientific evidence can be presented in a biased way.

   • Scientific discoveries that are reported in the media aren't peer - reviewed.
   • This means that, even though new stories are often based on data that has been peer - reviewed, the data might be presented in a way that is over - simplified or inaccurate, making it open to misinterpretation.
   • People who want to make a point an sometimes present data in a biased way.

7. Scientists cannot answer every question.

   • We don't understand everything.
   • In order to answer scientific questions, scientists need data to provide evidence for their hypotheses.
   • Some questions can't be answered yet because the data can't currently be collected, or because there's not enough data to support a theory.
   • Eventually, as we get more evidence, we'll answer some of the questions that currently can't be answered.

8. Scientific developments are great, but they can raise issues.

   • Scientific knowledge is increased by doing experiment and this knowledge leads to scientific developments.
   • Economic issues
     • Society can't always afford to do things scientists recommend without cutting back elsewhere.
   • Personal issues
     • Some decisions will affect individuals.
   • Social issues
     • Decisions based on scientific evidence affect people.
   • Environmental issues
     • Human activity often affects the natural environment.